the concept of “hijab” existed long before Islam was founded. in pre islamic arabia and throughout the region, women regardless of religion would cover their hair and it was often a symbol of class (other than the concept of covering hair being cultural in christianity and judaism)

women who were higher class and were from a wealthy family covered their hair to distinguish themselves from poorer classes

if wasn’t until after the founding of islam where covering hair was incorporated into muslim culture as “hijab”. there is no mention of hijab in the quran but there is a strong emphasis on modesty. there is however an explicit line in the quran directed towards men:

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In Chapter 24 known as an-Nur (the Light), in verse 30, Allah commands Prophet Muhammad as follows:

“Say to the believing men that: they should cast down their glances and guard their private parts (by being chaste). This is better for them.”

This is a command to Muslim men that they should not lustfully look at women (other than their own wives); and in order to prevent any possibility of temptation, they are required to cast their glances downwards. This is known as “hijab of the eyes”.